EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 25
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 25 Driving a Multi-Brand Proposition Hilton Worldwide has multiple goals at ITB Berlin Hilton has six iconic hotel brands and over 240 properties across the European region, strong assets to attract and retain customers. But of late, there is a lot of change in the Eurozone and ensuring responding to the needs of customers continues to be a biggest focus for the group. Philip Garnier is Hilton Worldwide’s new European head of sales. We asked him the company’s main objectives are this year at ITB Berlin for tour operators and travel agents… Philippe Garnier Head of sales, Hilton Worldwide, Europe ITB provides us with an opportunity to meet many of our customers under one roof, over one week, and not only does the event give us the chance to thank them for the support they have shown our hotels, but it is also a fantastic forum in which to discuss the changing needs of the industry and how we can best ensure we’re responding to new opportunities. What are you offering potential owners and franchisees? With our rapidly expanding portfolio, ITB Berlin is a good platform to demonstrate to our partners the added value that Hilton Worldwide brings in supporting our hotels’ commercial success. We are seeing some Hilton brands that have traditionally been better known in the US arriving in Europe… Why is this so? We are focused on driving our multi-brand proposition and catering to a wide range of guests with our brands, of which our upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand and mid- include the UK, Russia, Turkey, Germany and Poland. What are Hilton’s biggest strengths in the market? With more than 4,100 meeting rooms and over 5.8 million square feet of hotel meeting space, Hilton Worldwide is recognised as a leader in the delivery of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Our brand strength, integrity of product and experience is what attracts our customers. We also offer the most versatile spaces in a wide range of convenient locations to suit the needs of our clients, with 240 venues in 30 countries across Europe, and venues that are close to city centres and international airports. For example in terms of space there are not many hotels that can offer sizes of 500+ square feet whereas we have venues that can accommodate such requests. Our hotels are also run by experienced hoteliers who understand the needs of clients, and who can effectively provide support throughout a meeting, whether it’s a small gathering or a large function. Global Hotel Leaders Celebrate One Billion International Travellers and Call for “Smart Visas” to Facilitate Travel for Next Billion Two hospitality giants - Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International – recently addressed global business and travel industry leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos to urge governments to move quickly to adopt “Smart Visa” policies which stimulate global travel, create new jobs and spur economic development. The two companies are working together with the World Economic Forum Governors for the aviation, travel and tourism industry to promote global action toward “Smart Visa” policies regionally by 2015 and globally by 2020. ITB Berlin (…) is fast becoming one of the key meeting places for the MICE industry. sector Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton hotels have seen significant growth across the region. This multibrand approach has helped us develop the strongest European pipeline in the industry, with more than 125 hotels due to open in 20 European countries. Key growth markets in Europe How important is ITB as part of your global marketing? ITB Berlin is extremely important to our marketing plans. The show is fast becoming one of the key meeting places for the MICE industry. It offers a unique opportunity to network with opinion-leaders, event organisers and travel decision makers as well as providing an important forum in which to discuss emerging trends in the industry. Hall 15.2 DoubleTree by Hilton Welcomes its First Guests in Ireland Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opened its doors last month, bringing one of Europe’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands to the Emerald Isle. A thoughtful and contemporary renovation of the Morrison hotel, in partnership with operators Martinez Hotels & Resorts, has seen the property’s 138 rooms and suites completely re-designed with a brand new concept centred on music and sound. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 6 th March 2013
